I just finished a small mountain of spanikopita (did I spell that right? I'd check but dinner is imminent) and a glass of Riesling. We are waiting for dinner to brown sufficiently; today I bought two fabulous salwar kameez (one ridiculously pink) from a local and splendidly stocked thrift store. I wonder where I might wear these in our little southwestern PA town? Perhaps at the local grocery with the farming and coal mining clientle (mixed with neighbors I know): me in my sequins and poofy pink pants, selecting corn on the cob. I think dinner parties are in order.

I miss home but I am enjoying myself immensely. Not reading as much as I should. Today I began rereading "Woman Warrior" for a class I'll teach in the fall.

Ah, I hear my mother clinking silverware, which means my time at this keyboard is limited. For more complete thoughts on home, a glimpse into our travels in the south, and a bit of sentimentality, read my O-R column from last week by clicking on the geranium at right.

And in personal news: rejections continue but silver linings include an award of distinction from Midwest Literary Magazine for my story, "Birds in Snow" and an upcoming publication in the children's magazine, "Ladybug." Hurrah. Children's stories are such lovely fun.